Many towns in Texas are known for oil, business, or beautiful landscapes. But not every place is doing well when it comes to money and jobs. Some towns face serious struggles with poverty, lack of jobs, and poor living conditions.
One Texas town has recently been ranked the poorest in the state, and it’s bringing attention to the challenges small communities still face today.
What Is the Poorest Town in Texas?
The title of the poorest town in Texas goes to Escobares, a small town located in Starr County, near the U.S.-Mexico border. This town has one of the lowest median household incomes not only in Texas but in the entire country.
According to recent reports, the average household in Escobares earns just under $22,000 per year. That’s far below the state and national average.
Where Is Escobares?
Escobares is in southern Texas, near Rio Grande City. It’s a small rural town with a population of around 1,500 people. Many of the residents are Hispanic, and Spanish is commonly spoken in homes and local schools.
The town is located in one of the poorest counties in the U.S., which also struggles with high unemployment and low educational resources.
Why Is Escobares So Poor?
There are several reasons why Escobares has such high poverty rates:
Lack of jobs – There aren’t many businesses or industries in the area, so finding work can be very hard.
Low education levels – Many adults in the town didn’t finish high school, which limits job options.
Limited public services – Health care, transportation, and housing are limited, which adds to the struggles.
Border location – Being close to the border, Escobares faces unique challenges with immigration and resources that affect development.
How Does Poverty Affect the Town?
When a town is poor, the effects go beyond just income. In Escobares, many people live in homes without proper plumbing or heating. Some families share small houses to save money. Children in poverty often fall behind in school because of poor nutrition, lack of school supplies, or the need to work at a young age.
The town also struggles with healthcare access, and many residents don’t have insurance or nearby clinics to visit when sick. Public transportation is also rare, making it harder for people to travel for work, school, or medical help.
What’s Being Done to Help?
Local organizations and community leaders are trying to improve life in Escobares. Some non-profit groups help with food, school supplies, and medical clinics. Others try to help students go to college or get job training. However, progress is slow due to the town’s small size and limited resources.
The government has also looked into improving border towns like Escobares, but larger changes are needed—like creating jobs, improving schools, and offering better housing support.
Escobares, Texas, may be small, but its story is big. Being named the poorest town in Texas highlights how some communities are still struggling while others grow. Poverty affects every part of daily life, from education to health to housing.
While there are efforts to help, long-term solutions will take time, care, and investment from both the state and national level. Understanding the challenges faced by towns like Escobares can help build a better future—not just for this town, but for all underprivileged areas across the country.
